Port Wakefield’s major upgrades set to start

THE first stages of major upgrades in Port Wakefield will begin on May 19, when contractors arrive on site to begin a revamp of Edward Street.

These works will be followed by dredging of the tidal pool and replacement of the wooden footbridge in the next financial year.

The Edward Street project will include a formalised paved plaza west of the intersection at Walters Street to create a defined town centre complete with lawned picnic area, street furniture and feature lighting integrated with the Rising Sun Hotel.

The entire street will also be greened with new street trees and garden beds, along with pedestrian accessibility improvements at each intersection.

Wakefield Regional Council Mayor, Rodney Reid, said Edward Street was identified as the main entry to the township off of the highway through the community consultation stages of the town’s Master Plan development.

“Port Wakefield’s historical and natural attractions have gone relatively undiscovered by a majority of the traffic passing through each day,” he said.

“The first impression of a township on locals and visitors alike is the main street, so creating a defined main street and town centre was prioritised as the first step in the upgrades.”

A feature artwork is also planned for installation at the corner of Edward Street and the highway, which will be the first in a series of pieces continuing down the street to create an Indigenous Art Trail.

The art trail will represent stories from both Kaurna and Narungga cultures, given the township falls in each respective traditional land areas.

It will highlight the town’s cultural role as a meeting place for travellers, a tradition which continues to this day.

The trail will also integrate Port Wakefield’s colonial history into different works, referencing maritime, copper and agricultural themes.

Funding from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will deliver Stage 1 works.

Completion of Edward Street, Indigenous Art Trail, and full delivery of the tidal pool dredging and new footbridge is supported by grant funding through the State Government’s Open Spaces and Places for People and PIRSA’s Enabling Infrastructure programs.

Combined with contributions from the Wakefield Regional Council, the total investment across all of the projects is valued at $2.8 million.

“The town is well-positioned for significant growth in the near future, and coupled with more than 9000 vehicles passing through each day, it is a prime opportunity to capture some of that traffic and highlight key attractions for both visitors and future residents,” Mr Reid said.